Committee endorses revised high‑school program of studies, stresses parent outreach

Union County Public Schools’ curriculum committee on Nov. 19 reviewed proposed updates to the high‑school program of studies and voted to forward the revisions to the full school board.

Staff described the program of studies as a comprehensive guide listing available courses and course descriptions for students’ four‑year high‑school career; the current updates apply to the incoming freshman cohort. Casey Rimmer and Dr. Remmer explained that counselors, principals and parents routinely use the document during counseling and registration.

District staff described post‑pandemic family engagement practices designed to increase parent understanding: high‑school parent nights, one‑on‑one counselor appointments, and a middle‑school roadshow that introduces programming options. Dr. Tyson said staff expect to register more than 3,000 eighth graders for next year and encouraged families to attend parent nights or schedule meetings with counselors. Staff also noted a high‑school programs expo on Dec. 6 at the AG Center from 9 a.m. to noon.

Committee members asked about accessibility; staff said the program is posted as an interactive PDF on school websites and that printed copies can be requested from schools. Reverend Kirkpatrick raised concerns that public comments by the mayor of Monroe about welcoming ICE could discourage Latino and immigrant families from attending in‑person events; staff said counselors are available by phone or virtual meeting to provide individualized assistance.

After discussion, the committee voted to send the updated program of studies to the full board for approval (motion passed 3–0). The committee’s action was a referral; final adoption will occur if the full board votes to approve the document.